Works to repair roadside debris in the Dandenong Ranges National Park caused by the June 2021 storms are recommencing, after being paused due to wet conditions over winter.
Forest Fire Management Victoria is undertaking the work to reduce bushfire risk caused by fallen trees and to enable emergency services to respond faster to fires in the forest.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tamara Beckett said in a statement that assessments show soil conditions along roadsides have now dried out enough to allow the work to restart.
“The key objective of this work is to reduce bushfire risk caused by fallen and hazardous trees from the storms and to enable safe and rapid response to future bushfires in the forest,” she said.
“FFMVic will maintain oversight of all works to ensure environmental, biodiversity and cultural values are managed during debris management operations.”
VicForest and contractors have been engaged to assist the agency with the recovery works, which include along Board Track. The track and roads 15, 16 and 17 will be closed to the public during the works, with heavy machinery active in the area.
DCFO Beckett said some fallen trees will be left in place because they are a valuable habitat for wildlife.
“For all other debris, the best end use will be considered – this may include using it for domestic firewood collection, commercial firewood and timber products,” she said.
“Road users should also be mindful that there will be more trucks using roads in and around the National Park while works are taking place and are encouraged to keep an eye out for them if driving in the area.”
